Who signed the decision that November 20 is Vietnamese Teachers' Day?

43 years ago, a decision of the Council of Ministers officially chose November 20 as Vietnamese Teachers' Day to honor teachers who have devoted themselves to the cause of education, and also as an occasion for students to show gratitude to their teachers.

Teaching profession: honor and responsibility

On December 28, 1982, the Council of Ministers of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam issued a decision on Vietnamese Teachers' Day.

This decision was issued "to fully demonstrate the concern of our Party and State for the teaching staff; to clarify the important position and role of the teaching staff in the career of training a new generation of people to build socialism and defend the socialist Fatherland; to promote the tradition of our people always respecting and loving teachers".

The decision clearly states: From now on, November 20th will be Vietnam Teachers' Day every year.

The person who signed this decision was General Vo Nguyen Giap, who was then Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers. According to the 1980 Constitution, the Council of Ministers is the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the highest executive and administrative body of the highest State power body.

After the Decision was issued, on October 14, 1982, the Ministry of Education issued Circular No. 26 guiding the implementation of Vietnam Teachers' Day. The Circular noted important issues such as fully and promptly implementing the State's policies and regimes issued for teachers such as providing food, foodstuffs, distributing fabrics, health care, accommodation, working and resting conditions, salary regimes and attention to education, political training, Party development ethics... to gradually improve the material and spiritual life of teachers, contributing to building an increasingly strong teaching staff.

Decision of the Council of Ministers (Government) in 1982

PHOTO: DOCUMENTARY

Accordingly, November 20 has practical significance. Every year, from October, authorities at all levels and organizations need to meet to review the work situation and activities of the teaching staff in their localities; review what has been done and propose what needs to be done to encourage the teaching staff to promote the fine traditions of the Vietnamese education system, train their qualities and abilities, and set a good example for students to follow.

On the teachers' side, there should be various forms of activities to raise awareness of the honor and responsibility of teachers in our society today, thereby striving to better fulfill their noble duties.

The organization of November 20th every year is chaired by the People's Committee and Education Council at all levels, in coordination with education sectors and mass organizations. All levels and sectors need to assign leaders to visit teachers, organize intimate meetings with teachers, and on this occasion, reward teachers with achievements.

Organizing Vietnamese Teachers' Day should be carried out solemnly and practically, avoiding ostentation and causing trouble for students and their parents.

On November 20, schools can rearrange learning and teaching so that teachers can take time off and participate in school and local activities.

The joy of teachers and students on Vietnamese Teachers' Day

PHOTO: TN

Origin of Vietnamese Teachers' Day

However, the origin of Vietnamese Teachers' Day November 20 comes from the International Charter of Teachers' Day November 20 proposed by the International Federation of Education Trade Unions (FISE - an international organization of progressive teachers).

In 1949, at the conference held in Poland, FISE adopted the "Teachers' Charter" consisting of 15 chapters with the main contents being: fighting against all backward, reactionary, and unscientific educational viewpoints and methods; building a progressive, democratic, and scientific education; protecting the legitimate material and spiritual rights of teachers; promoting the position and role of the teaching profession in society.

In 1953, the Vietnam Education Trade Union became a member of FISE. At the FISE Conference in Warsaw (Poland) with 57 participating countries, FISE decided to take November 20 every year as the International Charter Day of Teachers.

During those years, although our country was at war, every November 20th, many places held meaningful activities to celebrate the International Charter Day of Teachers. However, it was not until 1982 that November 20th officially became Vietnam Teachers' Day under the above decision of the Council of Ministers.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ai-da-ky-quyet-dinh-ngay-2011-la-ngay-nha-giao-viet-nam-185251116114041359.htm